Lucerne School of Business
We develop top talent for companies, public institutions and not-for-profits with our demanding, practical and research-based bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Our range of continuing and executive education programmes make us the largest provider of continuing education among the Schools of Business of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences.
Our research and development projects emerge in dialogue between research, business and the public.
Clients from all areas of society benefit from our experts’ extensive specialist knowledge.
We are perfectly situated and rooted in Central Switzerland and our large national and international network allows us to open doors to the world. instagram.com/hslu_luzern linkedin.com/company/hochschule-luzern
Welcome Contents
Welcome 3
Why choose the Master’s in Business Administration with Major in People Management and Organisation? 4
Your skills profile after graduation 5
Ten reasons why you should study at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts 6
The intersection of people, management and organisation is among the most important fields for a company’s sustainable success in a complex world. The demand for experts in this field has been numerously highlighted by organisations such as the world economic forum (WEF), but is already reflected in the demand of organisations today. In this Master’s programme, you will acquire the key skills needed to understand and critically assess organisational structures and processes and to formulate development potentialities. Therefore, enabling to help shape and run organisations with the latest applied management techniques in the field.
management and support. You may also decide to specialise in areas such as recruiting and employer branding, talent management or employee experience.
The MSc BA with Major in People Management and Organisation is a so-called consecutive Master’s programme that builds on a Bachelor’s programme. It provides the ideal foundation for a highly qualified position. Are you interested in the intersection of people, management and organisation? Then this programme is for you. We would be delighted to welcome you at the Lucerne School of Business soon.
What
This degree programme revolves around the question of how people and their social relationships shape organisations and how, in turn, organisations affect people and their relationships. It is about developing entrepreneurial-creative solutions to manage the present and cope best with the future. The programme structure and content follow an interdisciplinary approach. Organisational, psychological and people science skills are combined in a single Master’s programme.
After graduation, you will have exciting and meaningful career opportunities. You may, for instance, accept a job in Switzerland or abroad as an all-rounder for holistic transformation and organisational development, learning and development, or personnel
Prof Dr Stephanie Kaudela Baum
Co-Head of programme
MSc People Management and Organisation
Lucerne School of Business
Dr Lars B. Sonderegger
Co-Head of programme
MSc People Management and Organisation
Lucerne School of Business
Why choose the Master’s in Business Administration with Major in People Management and Organisation? Your skills profile after graduation
Companies seek highly qualified skills and knowledge
Our working world is changing, and fast. Job profiles vanish as others are being created. Many people lack the skills required for the jobs of the future. The market needs top talent with the skills and knowledge to actively shape the necessary transformation and to assume leadership positions later in their career. They should distinguish themselves through profound specialist knowledge, analytical skills, entrepreneurial thinking, leadership skills and a strong action-oriented mindset. With its curriculum, the consecutive MSc in People Management and Organisation accounts for these very requirements.
Valuable degree with practical relevance
Your study programme offers a sciencebased, yet practical specialist and management education with an international focus. The programme’s systematic combination of scientific methodology and practical know-how gives you the tools required to address emerging problems, to structure complex situations and to form well-reflected opinions in your future career.
Possible fields of activity after graduation
This Major offers a wide range of opportunities for professional development. You may initiate, devise and successfully supervise strategically important and complex processes in people management and strategy (and also HRM), leadership and organisational development. You may work as a consultant, start your own company or lay the foundations for a career in public administration or with an NGO.
Learn about the specific skills you will acquire until graduation on the next page.
Interdisciplinary specialist knowledge in people management and organisation
– specialist knowledge of mega trends and drivers of change such as digitalisation, internationalisation, innovation, new work transformation or changing values and their implications for people management
– Profound knowledge of business administration and psychology for the successful design, development and supervision of complex developmental and change processes
– Advanced skills in enhancing the potential and performance of the workforce when exploring and implementing leading-edge topics in an organisational context
Social and organisational skills
– Skills in the design, management and supervision of complex organisational transformation projects at the intersection of strategy, culture and technology.
– Knowledge of group processes, organisational dynamics and intercultural influencing factors
– Ability to successfully initiate and moderate internal and external stakeholders’ cooperation and decision-making processes
– Knowledge of future-proof role concepts for the design of personnel processes
– Ability to apply creativity and innovation management methods
Applied research skills
– Ability to devise and implement research projects and methods in consideration of scientific principles
– Skills in the development and exploration of emerging topics through literature review, qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed methods and case studies
Analysis and problem solution skills
– Analysis, with an interdisciplinary perspective, of complex issues and problems in the fields of people management and organisation
– Identification of structural requirements, solution approaches and options
Expression and presentation skills
– Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing
– Representation and defence of complex specialist content in front of clients and expert panels
Reflection and judgement skills
– Responsible and self-critical reflection of one’s own actions
– Ability to establish a potential-driven, performance-enhancing and professional people management practice
Ten reasons why you should study at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
1 High-quality study experience
The small, focused study groups, our personal tuition and direct access to lecturers are the key ingredients of a high-quality study experience in a personal atmosphere.
2 Innovative teaching practice
We rely on innovative learning settings and creative – and often digital – learning methods. Among other things, we develop our own simulation games or online assessments and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
3 Practical relevance
Our programme distinguishes itself through its practical, entrepreneurial focus. In addition to the exploration of topical and relevant issues, talks by guest speakers from the management of leading companies enrich the curriculum.
4 Leading-edge and well connected
The lecturers at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts infuse their teaching with their valuable practical and research experience. As a student, you will benefit from the mutual transfer of knowledge between science and business as well as from a broad, varied and well-cultivated network.
5 Co-creating the programme
Make it your own personal programme by combining relevant modules and selecting your preferred Major. You will also set the topics for your semester and project assignments and for your Master’s Thesis. You can also plan study trips and stays abroad to suit your needs.
6 Work-study options
A compact timetable and block instruction allow for professional activity of up to 2.5 days per week. This gives you the opportunity to advance your practical skills over the course of the programme.
7 Three-semester study option
If you wish to complete the programme in three semesters, our new schedule is for you. It is intense and compatible with professional activity of one to 1.5 days per week.
8 Flexible start date
In addition to the duration of study and depending on your needs, you can also choose between a start date in spring or in autumn.
9 Continuous exchanges
Flexibility is a key feature of the MSc in Business Administration. Our heads of programme, lecturers and administrative staff will be happy to discuss any questions you may have. Benefit from continuous close specialist and personal exchange with your fellow students and lecturers.
10 Perfectly located in Lucerne
The course venues are located directly by Lucerne main station. The Lucerne campus offers many connecting points to internationally active companies and public institutions.
Programme Structure
Gathering, analysing, interpreting and communicating data.
– Research Theory & Ethics
– Qualitative Research Methods
– Quantitative Research Methods
Understanding, interpreting and applying selected management principles and theories.
– Digital Customer Management
– Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management
– Organisational Transformation & Change
Researching a major-specific topic using research methods to make a contribution to theory and practice.
The architecture of the Master of Science in Business Administration programme meets the highest requirements of a degree in Business. On one hand, it provides the necessary breadth to create extensive know-how in relevant business management topics and on the other, it allows for a an in-depth exploration of a chosen topic through individual specialisation. The latest trends and new research findings are reflected in the strategically and analytically oriented content, which thus offer the perfect tools for a high-performance career at home or abroad. Interlinked module types (see diagram below) ensure a continuous synergy of theory and practice. This is a defining feature throughout your programme. The programme design allows for a concurrent working commitment of up to 2.5 days a week.
Majors
Theoretically exploring and practically experiencing and implementing majorspecific topics.
– Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship
– Online Business and Marketing
– People Management and Organisation
– Public and Non-profit Management
– Tourism
Strategy, Operational Management, Marketing, Accounting & Financial Management, Economics possibility of post-qualification for the fulfilment of admission criteria
Programme Content
In the first year of study, the selected management topics “Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management”, “Digital Customer Management” and “Organisational Transformation & Change” are developed
and applied at master’s level. From the very beginning the focus is on case studies which are analysed in a practically oriented manner. Research methods also relevant to this practically oriented approach are
included in the programme. These are specifically incorporated into project work in order to ensure the reliability and validity of the outcomes.
It is possible to select an elective module amounting to 6 ECTS credits from another major if this attracts you and fits into your desired degree profile.
Please note: This graphic shows the programme with a September start. The programme design is slightly different for a February start.
–
** incl. Block Week in the 2nd semester
* or an elective module from a different Major:
– International Festival & Events Management combined with Sustainable Tourism Management
– Entrepreneurial Management
Social Entrepreneurship (incl. a study trip abroad)
– Digital Transformation in Society & the Economy
Credits = ECTS credits (1 credit = 30 hrs of student work)
Programme modules
Digital Customer Management
In most cases, the customer is considered to be the main source of corporate success. Across industries, customer-centred company management is therefore the “leitmotif” for companies of all sizes. Customer Relationship Management has proven its validity as an approach that can secure long-term profitable customer relationships through the cross-functional coordination of strategies, processes and measures. This module teaches operational methodological skills and knowledge and, in doing so, teaches ways to shape the customer orientation of a company.
6 credits, 1st semester
Organisational Transformation & Change
This module considers the intersection of the company and its markets from a dynamic and development-oriented perspective. Changes are seen as a source of innovative technologies, services and processes and thus as a condition for securing the long-term resilience of public and private organisations. The task is to identify what needs to be changed and to plan, lead and evaluate change processes.
6 credits, 1st semester
Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management
This module discusses strategic management in network contexts. Building on the strategic management process in organisations, students explore the specifics of management in networks and business ecosystems. They analyse the dissolution of traditionally contradictory concepts like “co-operation” and “competition” or “market” and “hierarchy”. Moreover, they learn how to create viable strategies and processes to secure the long-term success of a company and its partners within a network.
6 credits, 1st semester
Research Theory & Ethics
Students are introduced to the salient aspects of the philosophies underlying current research methods. Students describe, evaluate and design research approaches in the context of this understanding. This includes the ability to use and reflect on suitable theoretical research paradigms. Students use appropriate quality criteria to evaluate research outcomes. Research ethical considerations form an important part of the module throughout.
3 credits, 1st semester
Qualitative Research Methods
The focus of the module is on conducting a model qualitative research project and going through the steps of a qualitative research process. The students get to know selected qualitative data collection and data analysis methods. They formulate their own research question, develop a suitable research design, collect and interpret data and present the results appropriately. Furthermore, they reflect on the quality of their research using the quality criteria relevant to research.
3 credits, 1st semester
Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative empirical methods and statistics help future-oriented companies to initiate projects, to lead them successfully and to achieve profitable results. In this module basic concepts of quantitative methods and applied data analysis are taught as well as applied with the software SPSS. In the classroom the contents and techniques are introduced; in tutorials exercises are worked on with support. Quantitative methods are a means to the end of finding reliable answers to business questions.
3 credits, 1st semester
Applied Research Project & Colloquium
Major-specific problems are brought in by external clients for investigation using a research-based approach in this module. The resulting research papers are written in groups, under the supervision of lecturers and with input supplied by clients. The practical problems involved are reformulated into research questions and answered with the help of research methods. Various research designs, data analysis tools, and reflection on the approach chosen are the focus of the accompanying colloquium.
9 credits, 2nd semester
People Management & Strategy
Mega trends such as demographic and generational change or a shift in values must translate into adequate leadership and HRM strategies, processes and instruments. Therefore, a strategic approach to people management and organisational innovation is pivotal. In this module, students examine the psychological facets of a performance-enhancing design of people management and leadership, including organisational design, corporate and cultural development and leadership. Moreover, students develop analytical-conceptual skills to successfully address strategically important challenges of the future along the employee life cycle, including human resources planning, personnel marketing and recruitment, onboarding, personnel deployment and development, incentive structures.
9 credits, 2nd semester
People Management & Digital Transformation (elective module)
Technological as well as digital-cultural drivers of change of the working world such as big data, algorithmisation and AI create great opportunities for organisations. This module explores challenges and creative possibilities of digital transformation within People Management from an interdisciplinary perspective. Participants acquire specialist, analytical and methodological skills that enable them to critically assess the chances, potential and risks of digitalcultural developments and applications.
6 credits, 2nd semester
Developing Creative & Innovative Capabilities
Unlocking the workforce’s creative and innovative potential at every level of the organisation is an increasingly central task of organisational and personnel development. In this module, students learn concepts and methods for the evaluation and advancement of creative and innovation-enhancing skills of employees, teams and organisations. As part of their learning process, students analyse the requirements for creativity and innovation promotion from an interdisciplinary perspective and identify suitable consulting and coaching services. They learn to successfully supervise innovation projects, test selected approaches of creativity promotion – e.g., from the areas of Art and Design Thinking – and prepare themselves for their future role as business partners in the field of innovation promotion.
6 credits, 3rd semester
Collaborative Learning & Organisational Development
Communication, participation, communitybased approaches and interacting as equals are increasingly important features of leadership and collaboration in the Working World 4.0. The key challenge for HR management and leadership is to empower organisations and their workforce to proactively address the issue of New Work Transformation. In this module, students test and reflect (e.g., through simulations) a wide range of approaches for the promotion of collaboration and for the design of learning and development processes at team and company level and across industries. Students learn how to build and shape social networks and to constructively moderate conflicts across organisations, disciplines, nationalities and functions.
6 credits, 3rd semester
Psychological competences for the flexible, agile work environment
Virtual teams, remote work, agility-enhancing organisational models and other flexible forms of work challenge the psychological skills of employees and management in new ways. New Work ostensibly offers more autonomy, self-determination, actualisation and creativity, but at the same time increases the risk to employees’ physical and mental health and threatens the achievement of personal and shared performance goals. The module sheds light on the challenges around work psychology and mental skills associated with flexible work and how to form and measure them. Students learn to analyse the psychological impact of flexible work as relates to health, motivation and emotion, contentment, communication and cooperation and to reveal suitable design requirements at a personal, work design and organisational-psychological level.
6 credits, 3rd semester
Preliminary Study for the Master’s Thesis
The preliminary study is the first part of the Master’s Thesis Project, of which it forms the basis. In their Master’s Thesis Project students prove that they are capable of independently and expertly addressing a practical problem within a set period of time, with a focus on practicability and solution-finding and a commitment to research and ethical principles.
3 credits, 3rd semester
Global People Management Perspectives
The module explores the question of how HR as a business partner of senior management can contribute to an effective implementation of internationalisation strategies. Topics include International Recruiting and Staffing, International Talent Management, International Employee and Leadership Development as well as International (HR) Governance and Ethics. After completing the module, students have the skills to contribute to the global development of prosperous, innovative and sustainable business organisations through local and international management and the development of careers and workforces. Case studies, practice presentations and company visits complement the learning process. Students in this module have the opportunity to participate in an international week dedicated to the development of intercultural leadership skills.
6 credits, 4th semester
Master’s Thesis
In the Master’s Thesis, students independently examine a research question and consolidate the specialist, methodological and research skills they have acquired. The Master’s Thesis is the final assignment in the Master’s programme.
12 credits, 4th semester
